Miami loves to flirt; but be careful with her, because this isn’t your regular date. Behind the gorgeous good looks flaunted shamelessly to the world there’s a catalogue of eccentrics that make this far more than just another seaside resort.
There’s no doubting her credentials. Positioned at the southern tip of the Gold Coast, with miles of beautiful sandy beaches and the whole of the Caribbean on her doorstep, its small wonder she’s the most lusted after girl in town. But this is also America’s number one place to retire, a honeypot for the rich and famous alumni of the world elite who no longer have to conceal their oddities and can do pretty much anything they please.
Add to that an eclectic multiculturalism in the most Latin American city north of Mexico and you’ve got the potential for fireworks. So don’t arrive in Miami expecting just another beach holiday; this girl is crazy and she’ll drive you wild.
Where to stay
The Mandarin Oriental provides spacious rooms with fantastic views of the bay and a range of facilities to help you both work and relax. EPIC hotel is another top choice, with a fantastic reputation for service, while the Viceroy is exceptionally restful.
Where to eat
Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink serves well-considered dishes showcasing the best of locally sourced ingredients in an unassuming downtown environment. The Forge Restaurant on Miami Beach is a trendier option; on Wednesday nights in particular there are many celebrity faces found in its elegant, oak-panelled dining room.
What to see
Go see a laser show in the beautiful Bayfront Park, then shop at the intriguing speciality bazaar at Bayside Marketplace. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a gorgeous tribute to the Italian museums. Really, though, you’ll probably spend most time on the beach.
